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Niagara Falls is both the name of a group of waterfalls and of the cities that surround them. The Falls are part of the Niagara River, which connects Lake Erie to Lake Ontario. The border between Canada and the United States lies along the centre of the river, which is part of the St. Lawrence Seaway.

These cities are on the American side and the Canadian side of the falls, respectively. They are connected by the Rainbow Bridge and the Whirlpool Rapids Bridge.

Understand

The Niagara Falls consist of three sections. The large Canadian falls – with their distinctive curved shape – are also known as the "Horseshoe Falls". They are separated by Goat Island from the American Falls, which are separated by a small island at their south end, from the narrow Bridal Veil falls. Each side offers a different perspective. The American side offers great views of the Canadian Horseshoe falls and the hotel skyline on the Canadian side. The Canadian side offers views of both the American and Horseshoe Falls. The Canadian side is usually the most popular due to its view of both falls and the number of attractions and hotels. Although the Canadian side of the falls has more to do and see, it is always best to visit both sides to maximize your experience.

Get in

By car

By bus

Trentway-Wagar and Coach Canada offer a joint service to Niagara Falls (Canada side) from Toronto via St. Catharines. Adult same-day return fare is roughly $30. There are several departures to and from Niagara Falls per day. Phone: 1-800-461-7661, web: http://www.coachcanada.com/

Visitors staying in Toronto can catch a tour from various Niagara Falls tour providers. The following tour companies offer pick-up from all hotels in Toronto:

Jojo Tours, phone: 416-201-6465, [4]. Picks up at Toronto hostels and is geared to budget travellers.

By train

Its about 9 hours direct to Niagara Falls, NY from Penn Station in New York City

Get around

During the busiest tourist season (May - October), The Parkway along the falls can become very crowded and finding a "picture perfect" view of the falls can be hard to do, walking to the attractions can also be slow during peak tourist season with thousands of people bustling by. There is a "People Mover" system which runs on the Parkway along the river. There are pickup points all along the parkway, including near the bus terminal. There are also several tour services that offer the option to buy a hop on hop off pass, which allows you to board any of the tour buses at any stop point thoroughout the day.

See

Skylon Tower, [5]. Tall tower that has an observation deck and revolving restaurant with a great view of the falls. There are arcade games in the base.

Maid of the Mist. A boat that takes tourists to the foot of the falls, where you can better appreciate their thunder and spray. Only runs in the summer.